Day 1: Arusha to Central Serengeti - Ballooning in the Heart
Begin with an early morning transfer from your Arusha accommodation to Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for a flight to a central Serengeti airstrip (e.g., Seronera Airstrip - SEU).
Upon arrival, be met and transferred to a lodge or camp in the central Serengeti. Enjoy lunch and some time to settle in.
In the afternoon, experience a hot air balloon safari over the central Serengeti plains. Take in fantastic views of the classic Serengeti landscape and abundant wildlife. Afterwards, enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush.
In the late afternoon, depending on your arrival time and energy, you might fit in a short game drive in the central Serengeti. Enjoy dinner and overnight in the central Serengeti.
Day 2: Fly to North Serengeti - Ballooning over the Mara (Seasonal)
After breakfast, be transferred to a local airstrip for a flight to the northern Serengeti (e.g., Kogatende Airstrip - KOG). Upon arrival, check into your lodge or camp in the north Serengeti.
In the afternoon, if the season is right (July-October), take game drives over the northern Serengeti, potentially offering views of the Great Migration crossing the Mara River.
If a balloon safari isn't feasible due to timing or season, enjoy a game drive in the northern Serengeti, known for its rolling hills, woodlands, and the Mara River. Enjoy dinner and overnight in the northern Serengeti.
Day 3: Fly to South Serengeti - Ballooning over the Calving Plains (Seasonal) & Return to Arusha
Have an early breakfast, then transfer to a local airstrip for a flight to the southern Serengeti (near the Ndutu area - usually accessed via Lake Masek Airstrip - LAK or Ndutu Airstrip - NDY).
In the morning (if season is right, Dec-Mar), experience a hot air balloon safari over the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti, particularly spectacular during the wildebeest calving season.
If ballooning isn't optimal due to the time of year, enjoy a game drive in the southern Serengeti, known for its wide-open spaces and predator activity.
In the late morning/early afternoon, transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward travel.